Her Perfect Storm: Orchard Inn Romance Series Book 3: Orchard Inn Romance Series, #3

By A. M. Kusi

She lives for her art. He longs to settle down. Can love overcome prejudice and bring two souls together?

Isa won't compromise her creative freedom with a serious entanglement. So when her friends try to set her up during a two-week retreat, the wealthy commitment-phobe isn't falling for their tricks—even if the serene African man is charming. But the only way to end the aggressive meddling is to fake it.

Dedicated high-school teacher Ethan longs to find the perfect wife. And he knows a spoiled, headstrong artist is the polar opposite of the Ghanaian girl his parents hope he'll marry. But when Isa proposes they pretend to date, he somehow can't say no.

Though the relationship is a ruse, their feelings become all too real. But just when they embrace the courage to accept their hearts' desires, their disapproving families threaten to tear them apart. 

Can Isa and Ethan defy convention and triumph over expectations for a chance at lasting love? 

Her Perfect Storm is a moving standalone novel in the Orchard Inn Romance series. If you like touching relationships, slow burn chemistry, and complex issues, then you'll love A. M. Kusi's beautiful drama.

Read Her Perfect Storm to let passion conquer intolerance today!

***HEA guaranteed. No cheating. Can be read as a standalone.***

• Language: English
• Publisher: Our Peaceful Family
• Release date: Nov 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393380948

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1

ISA

Isa Grayson swiped a fresh line of blue paint across the canvas before peeking at the reflection in the mirror. Her sapphire eyes were several shades darker than the hue she had chosen for her self-portrait. She paused, taking a closer look at herself. At some point she’d swept her brown hair up in a messy bun with two paintbrushes—she had forgotten where she’d put them. Her olive skin had a few dark freckles and smudges of paint. She was a mess. She shifted her gaze to the painting; it was in no better condition than her.

An artistic slump was what her teacher had called it. Depression, her doctor had said. Isa hated labels. She lived her life in the present and relied on no one except herself.

Isa’s thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing. She glanced at the caller ID. Harper’s name illuminated.

Good morning, Isa answered.

I think you mean afternoon, Harper corrected, teasing.

I’m sorry. Some of us like to sleep in.

I wish Mila did. These early mornings are killing me. Harper sighed.

Hey! I got up with her this morning, Jax, Harper’s husband, replied.

That’s right, he did. Is it still considered a full night’s sleep when it’s so broken? I think I’m woken about every three hours. It’s more like perpetual naptime, Harper said.

Just one more reason I’ll leave the mothering to you, my dear, Isa joked.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world, Harper said, all dreamy-like.

Times had sure changed. Her best friend had once been her partner in crime, globe-trotting and partying all night in Ibiza or Paris. Now her world revolved around a new love.

Anyways, I just called to let you know we’ll be there in about ten minutes, Harper said.

I’ll be ready. Send that muscular, tattooed husband of yours in to carry my bags when you get here. Isa smiled.

Jax and Harper laughed. Will do, Harper agreed.

Bye, love, Isa said.

See you soon, Harper said excitedly before ending the call.

Isa took one more look at her canvas and then slid off the stool to cover her paints. She would let the maid, Greta, finish the job so she could wash up and change before Harper arrived.

Twenty minutes later, Isa was ready. Jax had already packed her bags in their SUV. Harper was sitting in the back of the car, nursing baby Mila, when she opened the door.

Sorry, I was covered in paint and needed a quick shower, Isa said.

Harper smiled and winked. "I know time is never your friend. We left a little early so we could accommodate Isa time."

Isa rolled her eyes. How is Miss Mila?

The baby’s head was covered in small dark curls and her skin was already several shades darker than her mama’s. Mila’s little chin quivered as she made suckling noises. Her long dark eyelashes kissed the tops of her chubby cheeks. She was sound asleep snuggled in her mother’s arms.

Sleeping with a full belly, and ready for the trip, Harper said, carefully placing the baby into the car seat and buckling her. Do you want to sit up front?

And miss staring at this perfection? No way.

Harper smiled and kissed the top of Mila’s head before switching places with Isa.

Good. Now I can have both hands free, Harper said, sliding into the passenger seat next to Jax. He leaned over and kissed her.

Hey, now. There’s a minor in the car. Keep it PG, Isa said, feeling both envious and disgusted by her friend’s display of affection.

The baby is sleeping. We gotta get it in while we can, Jax joked.

Don’t you think that’s what got you into this predicament in the first place . . . getting it in? Isa couldn’t resist the tease.

Jax smirked and Harper laughed as he pulled onto the road, heading towards The Orchard Inn.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a wedding, Harper said. I think after one glass of champagne, I’ll be on the floor.

Can you believe your mommy used to hold her liquor better than Aunty Isa? Isa cooed to Mila.

Don’t worry. I’ll take care of my girl. Jax squeezed Harper’s knee.

The small gesture brought Isa a pang of hurt mixed with envy. Conflicting emotions bubbled up in her throat. Happiness that her friend had found such a sacred true love and equal partnership, and jealousy that she would never have it.

Remember I talked about Jax and River’s friend, Ethan? Harper asked, turning her face towards the window so Isa could see her reflection in the mirror.

Yeeeesss, Isa said, drawing out the word suspiciously. The one who couldn’t make it to your wedding because he was in Africa for his grandmother’s funeral?

Yeah. Well, it turns out he will be able to attend River’s wedding, Harper said, trying to act sly. But Isa knew better.

Not going to happen, Harps, so don’t even think about it.

Whatever do you mean? Harper asked, coyly.

I’m happy you and River found your soul mates, but please leave my romantic life to me.

Jax, tell her what an awesome guy Ethan is. Harper turned to her husband.

I’m staying out of this, he said.

Isa smiled. I knew I liked you, Jax.

Fine. Harper gave in.

Fine, Isa repeated.

The rest of the almost four-hour drive went by easily enough. Mila miraculously slept the whole way, waking just as they pulled into the driveway. A large sign out front of the gorgeous stone building read Welcome to The Orchard Inn.

Isa grabbed two bags from the car, while Harper took Mila inside, and Jax got the rest. They walked into the lobby where River sat with his beautiful tattooed fiancée on his lap.

Hey, guys! Ella said, standing and coming over. Isa had met her a couple of times before and she’d noticed Ella liked to keep a physical distance from people; except for River, of course. Isa shook her hand.

River wrapped Harper in for a hug with Mila. Hey, sister. God, she has grown so big since I saw her at your wedding.

Harper beamed. She’s eating a lot more too.

Mila looked around the room, wide-eyed at all the faces staring back at her.

Jax set down the bags he’d been carrying before he and River locked hands and pulled each other into a big hug.

You still treating my sister like a queen? River asked Jax.

Like a goddess, he said, smiling and locking his gaze with Harper’s. They were so in love it was almost sickening. Almost.

River came over to Isa next and gave her a hug. "Hey, sista from another mista. Glad you could come. Ethan’s in the kitchen, sampling Maggie’s dinner.

Who?

River hesitated. Our friend Ethan. Harper said you wanted to meet him.

Isa narrowed her eyes at Harper who was studying the grey wood floors of the inn, effectively avoiding contact with her. Excuse me for a moment, River, while I have a chat with your sister.

Isa walked over and grabbed Harper’s hand, leading her towards the couches and fireplace in the lobby. I get that you are madly in love, and you want me to be happy. But I don’t like being set up, Harper. You know that. My family is always trying to do this to me. I don’t need it from you too.

Harper smiled. I know. This is different though. I have a feeling.

Oh, God. Can we not? Just leave me alone. Enjoy this vacation and your brother’s wedding. I’ll do what I came here for and spend time with you and help with the wedding.

You want me to stay in my lane? Harper asked.

Yes. We can’t all end up with a devastatingly gorgeous Black man.

Both women laughed.

I’ll try, Harper agreed.

Good. Now give me that baby.

Harper chuckled and handed Mila to her before joining the group of friends. Isa couldn’t resist resting her nose on the bed of soft wispy curls that smelled like chamomile. Baby smell.

Isa glanced up to see the two couples talking and laughing with each other. Not for the first time, she couldn’t help but crave what they had. It didn’t matter though. Men, with the exception of these two, only ever wanted three things from Isa: sex, money, and status. She had been more than happy to give the first for far longer than she liked to admit.

Dinner’s ready, a pretty blond woman said as she held open the door to the kitchen.

They filed through, with Isa entering last.

I’m Maggie. You must be Isa, the blonde said.

Yes.

Nice to finally meet you. Maggie nodded.

You too. Isa walked into the large bright room. The kitchen was big, with stainless steel appliances and white cupboards. A large granite island surrounded by several dark barstools was the focal point of the room.

Harper ducked out the back through a screen door. Isa followed outside where they had a large table set up for everyone.

A little girl came bounding over to Isa. Is this the baby? I love babies! Can I hold her?

Maggie bent down and scooped the little girl into her arms. This is Avery, my daughter. Avery, this is Isa.

Hi, Isa. I like that name.

I like your name too. Isa smiled.

My wife, Julie, is somewhere around here. Maggie searched the space.

Isa nodded and smiled as she tried to remember everyone’s names.

Isa? Harper called.

Isa walked over to where Harper sat next to Jax.

I’m sure she is going to be hungry soon, Harper said.

I don’t mind holding her until she gets fussy for mama’s milk. Isa nuzzled her nose against the soft flesh of Mila’s chubby cheek. Mila cooed and reached out to grab her face. Isa’s heart nearly exploded at the tender moment. How could something be so beautiful, yet so sad at the same time? She would never have this.

Everyone was seated at the table—a diverse group of friends. There were a few more faces she didn’t know yet. A tan man with dark eyes had his arm around a gorgeous blond woman; more of Ella’s friends. Finally, her eyes landed on the man sitting next to Jax and River. Of course, the only empty seat left was by his side.

He was handsome. Okay, maybe handsome was too light of a word. The man was attractive with an athletic build, brown eyes, and dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans. He glanced her way after saying something to River. Isa took a deep breath and decided to get it over with. She sat down with Mila holding on to one of the loose waves of hair that had escaped her messy bun.

Hey. I’m Ethan, he said with a thick African accent.

Isa.

Wow, a mini Jax. He reaching his finger out to Mila. Mila took it, immediately chewing and drooling all over him. Isa was intrigued to see how he would react. Instead of pulling away disgusted, he chuckled seemingly completely at ease. Ethan smiled and picked up the pacifier that was clipped on Mila’s shirt, before replacing his finger with it.

Hot and good with babies. That just made him even more dangerous.

You’re from Boston? he asked.

Yes.

Me too.

Where is your accent from? she asked.

Ghana, West Africa, he answered.

I’ve never been.

Well, you should definitely put it on your bucket list. It’s a very beautiful country.

She smiled and focused back on Mila.

A moment of silence passed. Everyone was sharing the food around.

Ethan grabbed the plate full of herbed mashed potatoes with fresh chives sprinkled on top. May I? he offered to serve her some.

Yes, please, she said, grateful for his help.

After adding one scoop, he asked, More?

That’s plenty. She smiled as something foreign fluttered inside her.

As each dish passed, he slowly filled her plate with helpings of flavorful morsels that their hosts had provided. Isa glanced across the table. Harper was studying them with raised eyebrows.

Isa shook her head. The last thing her best friend needed was encouragement in the fixing-up department. She balanced a fork in one hand and took a bite of roasted chicken.

I guess we’re supposed to get married next. Ethan’s deep voice sent a shockwave of panic through her.

Isa choked on the food she was chewing. She reached for her water glass, wishing it was something stronger.

What the fuck did he just say?

2

ETHAN

I ’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to . . . I was just joking, Ethan said, quickly trying to make light of things. He reached for the baby so Isa could recover from her choking fit. He held Mila close, supporting her neck as he had done with his niece and nephew.

Mila looked up at him and started to cry. Ethan froze. This was the part where he usually handed the baby back to its parent. He had sure made a mess of things quickly.

Harper came over and took the baby from him. She’s ready for her dinner. She patted Isa on the back. You okay?

Isa coughed and took another sip of water before speaking. Just went down the wrong hole.

He could have sworn Harper leaned down and whispered, That’s what she said, into Isa’s ear. Isa’s face blushed pink as Harper walked away.

His friends had not led him astray when they’d said Isa was beautiful. He could tell by the designer shoes, jeans, and sweater she was wearing that she came from money too. Probably a spoiled rich daddy’s girl. Not his type in the least.

Your sense of humor nearly killed me. Isa’s eyes narrowed on him.

Harper told me she was trying to set us up. And Jax warned me the two of you were trouble.

Well, this was all her idea. I’m just here for the baby.

That was fine with him. Better than fine—perfect actually. Isa seemed far from the partner of his dreams.

You don’t like weddings? he asked.

Not particularly. I mean, these guys are the exception, she said.

His brows furrowed. What do you mean?

Come on. Tell me you don’t believe in committing your life to one person, and expecting them to do the same? Look at the divorce statistics.

Not a believer in marriage? he asked, surprised.

Nope. Obviously there are exceptions. Jax and Harper. River and Ella. I’m sure there are some people who are wired for monogamy, and on the off chance they meet someone who is too, well, yeah, but that’s rare. She wiped her mouth with the napkin.

What made you such a cynic? he asked, studying her a little closer.

Isa’s laugh was humorless this time. Life.

What could this pampered princess have experienced to make her so cold? Isa didn’t seem to be anything like the warm woman their friends had described.

You seem to like babies. You don’t want a family someday? he asked, not ready to let the subject go. His parents had an exemplary marriage. Ethan had always looked up to them and wanted to emulate what they had. He didn’t waste time with meaningless hookups. He was searching for the real thing.

Isa sighed before turning to gaze directly in his eyes. Something flickered in them before her expression grew impassive. "There are more ways than one to have a child. I don’t need a man to be a mother, if that is what I choose."

What could he say to that? This woman’s negative outlook on relationships bothered him. She was getting under his skin. He had an intense desire to prove her wrong. Are your parents still married? he asked.

She smirked, before taking a drink. Stop.

What?

Stop trying to figure me out. You’re one of those people who believe in love and happily-ever-afters. It must really bother you that I don’t, she said, reading him like a book.

I just wondered what happened to make a beautiful woman such as yourself see the world so negatively.

Let’s just focus on what we came here for. Two people are getting married, so we have to be here together. It doesn’t mean we have to be friends. She took a bite of bread.

Ouch. We can’t be friends because I am such a positive guy? Or is it because you are a man-hater? he teased.

Isa turned to face him, crossing her arms defensively. "I don’t hate men. They are good for some things."

His cock jerked in his shorts. He reached out his hand and touched hers before he thought better of it. Energy surged up his palm at the contact like he’d touched a live wire. Isa made a small gasping noise and stood abruptly.

A second later, her face was unreadable again as she bent down and whispered in his ear, We aren’t going to be that kind of friends either. Her hot breath tickled his ear and sent a charge straight to his groin. Ethan cleared his throat as she straightened.

Harper yelled across the table, Oh, they’re telling secrets already! See? I told you guys you would make the perfect couple.

If Harper only knew how wrong she was.

Isa rolled her eyes and said, Actually, I’m going to head to bed early. It’s been a long day.

Isa walked around to give her friend a hug. He couldn’t help but follow her curvy ass with his gaze until she was out of sight.

He could sense his friends’ smirks before he even turned towards them. He flicked his attention back to the table. What?

What did I tell you? Harper asked.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you really missed the mark on this one, Harp.

She frowned. What do you mean?

Ethan stood and walked around to the other side of the table, bringing his chair with him and setting it next to Hers. He sat, before explaining, I mean, your friend is beautiful and all, but man, is she bitter. I told you I don’t need help being set up. Unless you know a great Ghanaian woman? Ethan laughed.

Isa isn’t what she seems. She’s rough around the edges, but she has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She’s loyal and giving. Don’t let her fool you. She’s been through a lot. Harper’s face softened as she spoke about her friend.

Ethan nodded, not sure what else to say. What could a girl like that have possibly gone through?

Why does the woman you marry have to be Ghanaian? she asked.

She would be familiar with my culture, probably speak my language. My mom wants grandchildren, and she wants them to understand the culture, like my niece and nephew do, he explained.

Cultural differences are hard, but not impossible to get through, Jax said, taking his wife’s hand. With the right woman, I mean.

Harper smiled at her husband as she nursed their daughter in her arms. The love and commitment those two had—that was what Ethan wanted. He was positive he would find it, just as sure as he was that the woman for him was not Isa.

Ethan’s phone rang, interrupting their moment. He pulled out his cell. His older sister’s name flashed across the screen. I’ve got to take this; it’s Abby. He rose from the table and walking into the inn.

"Hey, lady. Wo ho te sen?" he asked in Twi.

I am well, she giggled, the joy in her voice evident.

Abby was always happy. She had a husband who adored her and two beautiful children who always gave her reasons to smile. Just one more couple to prove Isa wrong. Finding true love was more common than she wanted to admit. He shook his head. Why was she occupying space in his mind?

How are my favorite niece and nephew? Ethan asked.

They are good. Getting into trouble as usual. She laughed. Hey, you remember me talking about my friend Sarah?

Ethan thought for a moment before answering, You mean the one in school studying to be an economics professor?

Yeah. She just started her master’s and PhD program in Boston and moved to the area. Mommy wanted me to tell her about you, and warm her up to the idea of meeting you, but I wanted to check first.

Uh … Yeah, sounds good.

Are you sure? Abby asked.

Couldn’t hurt, he answered, wondering why his gut twisted uneasily suddenly.

Okay, I’ll talk to her. Let me know when you get back into town and we’ll set something up. Abby gasped excitedly. Maybe we can double-date, and Mom and Dad can watch the kids. We would love a night out. Now that Max is almost eight months old, I think he can do without me for a couple of hours.

Sounds like a plan. Love you, he said.

Love you too.

Ethan ended the call and continued along the hall, smiling as he read off the names of the various apple-themed rooms, until he reached his: the Gala suite.

3

ISA

Ethan and his happy-go-lucky outlook on life bothered Isa more than she wanted to admit. He was a sap who believed the hype. He had the audacity to call her a man-hater and assume her life goal was to have children. What a misogynistic asshole. A good-looking one, but an asshole nonetheless.

He had pissed her off when he’d asked about her parents. Like knowing the truth about the secrets that stayed behind the closed doors of their home would give her some epiphany. Her parents stayed married out of obligation and the toxicity of their relationship was the biggest example of why people like her should never get married. Ethan thought he knew her, just like countless others who had come before him had. Just another day in Isa Grayson’s life. Just another reason to stay away from him.

Isa pulled her Kindle off the nightstand and brought up the romance novel she had bookmarked. She couldn’t have her happily-ever-after, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like to escape into the fantasy of one occasionally. If only life were like the books she read.

The character might have been written as a white man, but tonight she imagined him with dark mahogany skin and a certain someone’s tight muscular body and handsome face. She may have read the hero’s voice with a Ghanaian accent in her head too, because she was only human after all and accents were sexy as fuck.

When the hero kissed the heroine, she imagined it had the spark akin to the way Ethan’s electric touch had singed her arm. Heat bloomed in her center as she closed her eyes, her breathing becoming more rapid. She touched her lips. What would his full pink-tinged mouth feel like on hers? Her hand brushed down her body. What they would feel like sucking on her neck? Trailing between her breasts? Between her thighs . . .

Nope! Isa’s eyes shot open. That was enough fantasy for one night. Ethan was off-limits.

New rule: don’t fantasize about him.

---

The next morning, Isa made her way to the breakfast nook by the kitchen where her friends had already gathered. She was the last to arrive—as usual.

Ethan sat next to River and Jax, joking and laughing. Ella held baby Mila while Harper sipped on a mug of tea.

Isa, come try this tea Ella makes. It’s so good. Harper patted the empty chair next to her.

Isa took the seat and then the cup from her friend before tasting the minty creaminess.